The TEEL Method: Master Paragraph Structure
Learn the TEEL paragraph structure used in Australian schools to write clear, convincing persuasive paragraphs for NAPLAN and beyond.
What is the TEEL Method?
TEEL is a paragraph structure framework that helps students organise their ideas clearly. Each letter represents a crucial component of an effective paragraph.
State your main point clearly
"Screen time should be limited for children under 12."
Expand on your topic sentence
"Excessive screen use can affect a child's physical health, mental wellbeing, and social development."
Support with facts, statistics, or examples
"According to the Australian Institute of Health, children who spend more than two hours per day on screens are 60% more likely to experience sleep difficulties."
Connect back to your main argument
"Therefore, setting reasonable screen limits is essential for protecting children's health and ensuring they thrive."
TEEL Paragraph Example
TSchools should ban junk food from canteens to protect students' health.
EUnhealthy foods high in sugar and fat contribute to obesity, tooth decay, and poor concentration in the classroom. When students consume sugary snacks, they often experience energy crashes that affect their learning.
EResearch from the Australian Childhood Foundation shows that schools which removed junk food from their canteens saw a 25% improvement in student focus during afternoon classes.
LClearly, removing junk food from schools is a simple change that would significantly benefit both students' physical health and their academic performance.
TEEL vs PEEL vs CER
Different schools teach different frameworks. Here's how they compare:
| Framework | Components | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| TEEL | Topic, Explain, Evidence, Link | Persuasive essays with smooth paragraph transitions |
| PEEL | Point, Explain, Evidence, Link | General persuasive and analytical writing |
| CER | Claim, Evidence, Reasoning | Scientific arguments and debates |
The key is consistency. Pick one framework and master it rather than switching between them.
TEEL Writing Tips
Start with words like "Firstly", "Furthermore", "Most importantly". Avoid weak openings like "I think" or "In my opinion".
Use statistics, expert quotes, or real examples. "Studies show..." or "According to researchers..." adds credibility.
Use linking phrases like "Therefore", "Consequently", "This clearly demonstrates that..." to tie back to your main argument.
Don't repeat the same words. Use synonyms and varied sentence structures to demonstrate language control.
TEEL by Year Level
Focus on mastering the basic structure. Use simple, clear sentences.
- 4-5 sentences per paragraph
- Simple evidence (examples)
- Clear linking sentence
Add sophistication with varied sentence types and stronger evidence.
- 5-7 sentences per paragraph
- Statistics and expert opinions
- Complex sentences
Demonstrate advanced control with nuanced arguments and rhetorical devices.
- Extended analysis
- Counter-arguments addressed
- Sophisticated vocabulary
Frequently Asked Questions
What does TEEL stand for?
TEEL stands for Topic sentence, Explain, Evidence, and Link. It's a framework for structuring persuasive paragraphs used in Australian schools.
What is the difference between TEEL and PEEL?
TEEL and PEEL are very similar. TEEL uses "Topic sentence" while PEEL uses "Point". Both use "Link" as the final step and achieve the same goal of creating well-structured paragraphs.
Is TEEL or CER better for NAPLAN?
Both work well. TEEL focuses on linking ideas across paragraphs, while CER emphasises reasoning. Master one framework thoroughly rather than switching between them.
How many TEEL paragraphs should I write in NAPLAN?
For a persuasive text, aim for 3 TEEL body paragraphs (one for each main argument), plus an introduction and conclusion. This gives you a solid 5-paragraph structure.
Related Writing Guides
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